India joins Eurodrone effort as observer nation

India joins Eurodrone effort as observer nation
India joins Eurodrone effort as observer nation

India’s interest in Eurodrone builds off a joint statement signed with Germany in October 2024 to deepen defense cooperation and which includes a “specific focus on technology collaboration, manufacturing/co-production and co-development of defence platforms and equipment.”

With Airbus and Maxar deals, Dutch double up on space-based ISR business

With Airbus and Maxar deals, Dutch double up on space-based ISR business
With Airbus and Maxar deals, Dutch double up on space-based ISR business

“These contracts are established for the renewal and improvement of the current direct access satellite imagery platforms used by the MoD,” said a Netherlands MoD spokesperson.

Air Force’s outgoing acquisition chief on NGAS, CCA and his biggest regrets

Air Force’s outgoing acquisition chief on NGAS, CCA and his biggest regrets
Air Force’s outgoing acquisition chief on NGAS, CCA and his biggest regrets

Speaking to Breaking Defense, Andrew Hunter said that the CCA loyal wingman program is proof the Air Force can move forward in new directions.

Ireland and Airbus agree to $95 million H145M helicopter deal

Ireland and Airbus agree to $95 million H145M helicopter deal
Ireland and Airbus agree to $95 million H145M helicopter deal

The latest aviation acquisition by the small, militarily neutral nation, comes on the heels of it signing a €53 million order with France’s Dassault for a Falcon 6X multipurpose strategic reach aircraft.

UK looks to protect funding for rapid Watchkeeper UAV replacement

UK looks to protect funding for rapid Watchkeeper UAV replacement
UK looks to protect funding for rapid Watchkeeper UAV replacement

Lt. Gen. Robert Magowan did not elaborate further on the replacement effort but did note that the Watchkeeper retirement will allow the MoD to still save “quite a lot of money” that would otherwise go toward support costs for the aircraft.

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The Army’s latest response to contested logistics is an uncrewed one-ton VTOL lifter

The Army’s latest response to contested logistics is an uncrewed one-ton VTOL lifter
The Army’s latest response to contested logistics is an uncrewed one-ton VTOL lifter

Contested logistics means resupplying Soldiers and Marines at the edge, and doing so with autonomy that doesn’t risk lives.

After troubles, a future upgrade, better availability should put NH90 in clearer skies: NHI CEO

After troubles, a future upgrade, better availability should put NH90 in clearer skies: NHI CEO
After troubles, a future upgrade, better availability should put NH90 in clearer skies: NHI CEO

NHIndustries has suffered high-profile blows as three capitals backed out of helicopter deals, but CEO Alex Aloccio said he sees “lots of commercial opportunities” as the helos get outfitted with new tech and capabilities.

Ireland draws up ‘record’ $1.5 billion defense budget

Ireland draws up ‘record’ $1.5 billion defense budget
Ireland draws up ‘record’ $1.5 billion defense budget

“This level of investment is critical in the current geopolitical situation,” said Micheál Martin, Irish deputy prime minister and defence minister

Air Force’s interim tanker buy in limbo as service mulls next-gen refueler timeline

Air Force’s interim tanker buy in limbo as service mulls next-gen refueler timeline
Air Force’s interim tanker buy in limbo as service mulls next-gen refueler timeline

A recent request for information for NGAS to industry represents a new approach that seeks to gather feedback from more vendors earlier in the procurement process, according to Air Force acquisition chief Andrew Hunter.

Airbus, Lockheed Martin walk away from UK New Medium Helicopter acquisition

Airbus, Lockheed Martin walk away from UK New Medium Helicopter acquisition
Airbus, Lockheed Martin walk away from UK New Medium Helicopter acquisition

The double pullout means Leonardo sits as the sole bidder for the £1 billion ($1.3 billion) program, though the surprise withdrawals could also induce London to re-compete it.

UK launches first military spy satellite from Falcon 9 rocket

UK launches first military spy satellite from Falcon 9 rocket
UK launches first military spy satellite from Falcon 9 rocket

The Tyche satellite is the lead system from the wider £968 million ($1.2 billion) ISTARI programme, aimed at delivering a multi-satellite ISR constellation, together with future ground systems, by 2031.

Estonia and Helsing strike AI technologies agreement

Estonia and Helsing strike AI technologies agreement
Estonia and Helsing strike AI technologies agreement

The Estonian Ministry of Defence said in a statement that the agreement with Helsing’s in-country subsidiary “is a key step” in exploring the potential of AI technologies, particularly those associated with “software-defined reconnaissance and strike capabilities.”

As industry prepares bids, future of UK New Medium Helicopter program unclear

As industry prepares bids, future of UK New Medium Helicopter program unclear
As industry prepares bids, future of UK New Medium Helicopter program unclear

On reports that Lockheed might drop out of the NMH competition, Paul Livingston, Lockheed Martin UK CEO, said media “can report I’m dating Taylor Swift, it doesn’t mean it’s happening.”

NATO awards Airbus, Leonardo and Lockheed next generation rotorcraft concept contracts

NATO awards Airbus, Leonardo and Lockheed next generation rotorcraft concept contracts
NATO awards Airbus, Leonardo and Lockheed next generation rotorcraft concept contracts

The award of the new contracts formally launches NGRC’s Concept Study 5 line of effort dedicated to medium lift rotary capabilities.